Wanda LeBlanc Allen

Wanda LeBlanc Allen died peacefully at home with her family on February 10, 2024, having lived a long, full, and giving life.  She was born to Otis Franklin and Alma McRight LeBlanc on August 4, 1927, and grew up in Oberlin, Louisiana, graduating valedictorian from Oberlin High. Her mother was a pillar of the Oberlin Baptist Church, and Wanda played piano for services at an early age, something she continued doing in later years when she was a member of the Elton First Baptist Church, and then at the Toledo Bend Baptist Mission.  

She graduated from Northwestern College with a two-year teaching certificate, and at the age of 18, began teaching in Elton, Louisiana, where she met Henry Lee Allen, Jr.  On February 5, 1947, six months after they met, they married, the beginning of an amazing 58-year loving partnership.  Mom dedicated her life and boundless energy to Daddy, her family, and her career as a teacher.  She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from McNeese State University while teaching and raising her family.  After 25 years, she retired from teaching in Elton, only to begin a second career teaching in Burkeville, Texas. She and Daddy had relocated to Toledo Bend Lake to “retire,” a word that really was not in her vocabulary.  Throughout her long teaching career, she was respected by her colleagues and loved by her students, many of whom stayed in touch with her over the years.  

In 2002, Wanda and Henry moved to Houston, Texas, to be closer to their three daughters.  Wanda embraced this new phase of her life, just as she had all previous ones – with eager, excited anticipation.  She even continued teaching for a time, substituting in HISD.  She enjoyed her times with the Red Hats, hosting her “wine club,” riding her bicycle around the neighborhood, and regularly scoping out Houston’s craft shows and dining scene with her daughter, Mary.  She converted one room to a craft/computer room and delighted in creating “knockoffs” of expensive craft items they saw in their craft show travels.  And travel she did.  Whether by car, train, plane, or cruise ship, say the word, and she had one foot out the door, pulling Henry along (who enjoyed it as much as she did…almost).  

When Daddy, her soul mate, died in 2005, with support of friends and family, Wanda moved to the next phase of her life with determination and strength.  Her love of travel continued, frequently going to Vegas with Mary (where she said she “donated” to the penny slots), and going on cruises with Kim, Bitsy, and Mary.  She loved hearing Kim’s tales about “life on the prairie,” as we referred to Kim’s life in the country, with her horses, dogs, cats, and other assorted “varmints,” and watching videos with Bitsy and enjoying their very own book club.

Wanda is survived by daughters Mary and Kim Allen, and Sharon Kalinowski and her husband, Gary “Buck” Kalinowski, her beloved dog, Jolie, and loving nieces and nephews. Mom is also survived by a loving extended family. Ken Hall has been a part of our family for years, always adding fun (and good desserts) to holiday and birthday celebrations, as well as vacation trips.  Nita Putnam has been part of our family since our years in Elton.  As Mom said, “You know you will have a good time when Nita is around.”  

Mrs. Nisrin Atiah is a beautiful angel who came into our lives at the perfect time – and will always be a part of our family.  Mom’s face would light up when Nisrin walked into the house. Her compassion and love for Mom added so much joy and so many good times. Mrs. Rosa Reyes is another angel who lovingly watched over Mom. They often laughed together at Mom’s not so great Spanish and Rosa’s not so great English, but they “made it work,” and loved each other, and we love Rosa.  Carolyn Weibye and John David Lewis are great friends and neighbors extraordinaire – Carolyn’s green thumb (and hard work) kept beautiful plants and flowers in Mom’s yard and house to brighten her days, and David made sure Mom never wanted for fresh baked bread and delicious home cooked dishes.  She (and we) love them dearly.  

Mother requested there be no service or memorial celebrating her joyous life.  She said she had outlived too many of her friends and family, and, more importantly, every day she spent on this earth with her friends, co-workers, students, and family was a celebration. She asked in lieu of flowers, a donation be sent to the charity that means most to you.  Mom supported St. Jude’s and Shriner’s Hospitals and animal rescue (Boarding for Rescues and Animal Welfare), as the missions of these were very dear to her heart.

Wanda was an amazing wife, mother, friend, and teacher. She will be missed by the many whose lives she touched.